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City of Fargo discuss relocation of DEC with the public

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  Published in House and Home on Wednesday, September 24th 2025 at 0:13 GMT by Valley News Live
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Fargo City Council Hears Public Input on Relocating the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)

Posted September 24 2025 – ValleyNewsLive

The City of Fargo announced today that it will be opening a public discussion period on the relocation of the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) office, a move that has been in the planning stages for nearly a year. The proposal, originally unveiled in a city‑wide planning memorandum last spring, proposes to transfer DEC’s operations from its long‑standing location on 4th Avenue North to a new, purpose‑built facility downtown. The decision has attracted a mix of excitement and skepticism from residents, local businesses, and environmental groups, all of whom are eager to see how the city will balance fiscal responsibility with the DEC’s critical conservation mandate.

Why the Move?

Decades of aging infrastructure, rising maintenance costs, and shifting transportation patterns have prompted the city to re‑evaluate the suitability of the current DEC site. The existing office, a mid‑century brick building on the corner of 4th and Pine, sits on a 2.5‑acre parcel that is increasingly surrounded by high‑rise developments. According to the city’s Office of Economic Development, the current lease cost has ballooned to more than $1.2 million per year, and the building’s HVAC system is now “obsolete and inefficient.”

The proposed new location—a 30,000‑square‑foot adaptive‑reuse space in the former Fargo Airport terminal at 10th Street West—offers a modern, climate‑controlled environment with a projected annual operating cost of $750,000, the city’s office says. The space also sits on a 5‑acre parcel zoned for mixed‑use, with easy access to public transit and ample parking, making it an attractive hub for both staff and the public.

The Planning Process

The relocation initiative was first laid out in a comprehensive memorandum released by the Fargo Planning Department on May 12, 2025. The memorandum detailed two viable sites, a feasibility study on the economic impact of the move, and a projected timeline. The city’s Office of Environmental Management (OEM) has since conducted preliminary environmental assessments on both potential locations, all of which are scheduled for public disclosure in the coming weeks.

“Fargo’s residents deserve transparency when it comes to how we use public funds,” said City Councilmember Marissa Lee in a statement released after the initial announcement. “We’re committed to ensuring that the DEC’s new home will better serve our community while keeping costs reasonable.”

Public Meeting Schedule

In accordance with state open‑meeting laws, the city will hold a public hearing on October 15, 2025, at 7 p.m. in the City Hall Conference Room. The meeting will feature a presentation by the OEM, followed by a Q&A session. The city also plans to conduct a “walk‑through” of the proposed site at the former airport terminal on the same day, allowing attendees to inspect the space, review floor plans, and assess the overall layout.

Councilmembers and staff will review public comments and may take amendments to the relocation plan. The city’s website hosts an online survey for residents who cannot attend the live session, and a full agenda can be downloaded from the city portal. Residents are encouraged to submit written feedback by the close of business on September 30, 2025.

Stakeholder Perspectives

The proposed relocation has drawn praise from a number of local environmental advocates. “Fargo’s DEC has been instrumental in safeguarding our wetlands and air quality,” said Dr. Raj Patel, director of the Northern Plains Conservation Alliance. “A new, modern facility will allow the department to expand its research and outreach capabilities.”

On the other hand, some small business owners near the current DEC site fear that the relocation could diminish foot traffic to nearby shops. “We’ve seen a decline in visitors after DEC moved in a few years ago,” said Maria Gonzalez, owner of Café Nook, a local café on 4th Avenue. “If the DEC moves downtown, we’re worried about losing that patronage.”

The city’s planning memorandum also highlights potential job impacts. The relocation is expected to consolidate 32 DEC positions into a single building, potentially eliminating a few redundant roles. However, the OEM plans to hire additional environmental specialists to expand the department’s research scope.

Financial Considerations

The city’s finance office estimates that the relocation will cost approximately $6.2 million over the first five years. These funds will cover the purchase of the former airport terminal, renovation costs, and the installation of state‑of‑the‑art HVAC and renewable energy systems. The city plans to finance the project through a mix of municipal bonds and a modest increase in the local environmental levy, which currently stands at $0.50 per household per year.

The proposed cost savings, according to the OEM, will be realized within five years of operation. In addition, the new site’s improved energy efficiency is projected to reduce the department’s carbon footprint by 15 percent per year, a key metric for Fargo’s 2030 sustainability goals.

Next Steps

After the public hearing on October 15, Councilmember Lee will table a motion to approve the relocation plan if a majority vote is achieved. The city’s website will publish the full minutes of the hearing, along with the official vote tally. If approved, the city will initiate the purchase of the former airport terminal and engage a construction firm to begin renovations in early 2026.

In the interim, the DEC will remain operational at its current site until the new facility is ready for occupancy. During this transition, the city has pledged to maintain service levels and keep staff on the ground to handle any emergent conservation issues.

How to Stay Informed

Residents and stakeholders can access the full planning memorandum, the environmental assessment report, and the public hearing agenda by visiting the city’s official website: https://www.fargo.gov/dec-relocation. The city has also created a dedicated social‑media page on Twitter (@FargoDECMove) to post updates, schedule live‑streamed Q&A sessions, and answer questions from the public.

By engaging the community early in the process, Fargo aims to ensure that the DEC’s relocation will serve not only the city’s administrative needs but also the broader environmental goals of the region. As the city moves forward, the balance between fiscal prudence, public service, and ecological stewardship will remain a focal point of the conversation.